Monday, October 7, 7:00 P.M.
Members $85, guests $110

Peruse any of the countless reviews of Rosemary's Restaurant, and the same key phrases keep popping up: good food, good wine, and good service. Michael and Wendy Jordan, both CIA grads with long résumés (his includes executive chef-hood at Emeril's New Orleans Fish House, hers includes stints at Bayona and Peristyle), impressed foodies and critics alike long before they decided to gamble on opening their own restaurant three years ago off the Vegas Strip. Since that fortuitous day, they've garnered awards and accolades from the likes of Wine Spectator, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Las Vegas Life Magazine, Bon Appétit, Zagat, and The New York Times.

What seemed like a long shot—after all, the restaurant is located in a suburban strip mall well off the beaten track-has paid off generously for this hardworking duo, who've traveled the world and set down roots in Vegas. But anyone familiar with their reputation, grounded on quality cuisine and warm and friendly ambience, would have guessed Rosemary's was a sure thing. It's a classic American success story, infused with French-N'awlins savoir faire and locally grown, fresh ingredients. "The Jordans serve food that's well-seasoned and big on flavor," according to Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine; Las Vegas Sun called the food "original and delicious"; and in Dining Out, an ecstatic Lenadams Dorris was "wowed by our appetizers" and "stunned by the soup," but "the shining moment of the evening was the arrival of the entrées."

Like most success stories, there's a second chapter, and it's called Rosemary's at the Rio, which opened last month, this time on the Strip at Rio Suite Hotel & Casino. It garnered anticipatory raves before the ink was dry on the menu. The Jordans plan to keep the same mix of cozy, contemporary American food as is served at the original. Think hot potato rolls, parsnip-mashed potatoes, rosemary-roasted lamb, creole mustard-grilled pork chop with hoppin' john, and tangerine icebox pie. Rosemary's at the Rio occupies the space that was formerly home to the late Jean-Louis Palladin's Napa. The Jordans say they will do their "very best to make Jean-Louis proud." No doubt.